Missoula, MT— A fatal crash early Tuesday morning near Four Corners has once again underscored the dangers of driving on Highway 191, a stretch of road that has long been a source of concern for local residents and authorities alike. The accident, which resulted in the death of two individuals and the injury of two others, occurred when a southbound GMC truck lost control on icy roads and collided with a northbound Dodge truck.
According to the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP), the GMC truck came to rest in a nearby field, where it caught fire, killing two of its three occupants. The third passenger and the driver of the Dodge truck were transported to the hospital for treatment. As of now, the MHP has confirmed that the investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Local residents are all too familiar with the hazards of this road. Karen Cook, a preschool teacher at Quail Hollow located off Highway 191, voiced her concern about the dangers she and other drivers face every day. “When I was coming to work this morning, I said, ‘Oh please, Lord, don’t let it be one of our families or coworkers or teachers,’” Cook said. “This intersection here, it’s just so dangerous.”
Sergeant Daniel Haydon, a supervisor for the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office who oversees the Big Sky and West Yellowstone areas, agrees that the section of Highway 191 between Four Corners and Big Sky is particularly treacherous. “The road from Four Corners to Big Sky is such a funny section of road,” Haydon said. “With it being the end of winter, we’ve had such an impact from the freeze-thaw cycle, and so there’s a lot of extra ruts and potholes that make for new and changing hazards that we need to be aware of.”
Winter weather conditions are a major factor in the area’s dangerous roads, and Haydon points to the freeze-thaw cycle as a key contributor to the road’s constant shifting conditions. This can create unexpected hazards for drivers, particularly those unfamiliar with the area or rushing through the busy route.
In addition to the challenging road conditions, speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence are common causes of accidents in the region. As Bozeman and Big Sky continue to grow, traffic congestion on Highway 191 has only worsened. Local residents, particularly those working in the area, express growing concern about the increased risk.
Cook, who regularly drives the highway to work, noted the difficulty of navigating the road, especially during rush hour. “Around 5 or 5:30, the busiest times or most hectic time, it’s almost impossible to get out of here. Especially in the wintertime, you can be sitting here for 10 or 15 minutes to have an opportunity to get out,” she explained.
For Cook, the safety of the children and parents she serves is a top priority. She urges drivers to slow down and take their time, recognizing the dangers posed by speeding vehicles on an already hazardous road. “If you’re 10 miles under the speed limit, coming from the canyon, you’re adding maybe three or four minutes to your commute,” Cook said. “Just accept it. Put on some music. They are going to get there in almost the same amount of time and have such a safer drive.”
Haydon echoed this sentiment, urging drivers to take responsibility for their actions on the road. “We need people to drive responsibly,” he said. “If you see something that poses a risk to others, report it. The road is challenging enough without adding more dangers to it.”
As the investigation into the fatal crash continues, local residents and law enforcement are left to grapple with the ongoing hazards of Highway 191, hoping that increased awareness and responsible driving can help prevent further tragedies.
